Five dead as hotel’s balcony collapses in Chitral

PESHAWAR: At least five persons lost their lives while several others were injured after a balcony of the multi-storey hotel collapsed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Chitral.

According to rescue officials, almost 10 others were injured in the incident. The injured were shifted to Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) Peshawar which was put on high alert after the incident.

The director LRH contacted Deputy Commissioner Chitral and assured the provision of medical facilities to the injured. Reports claimed that the outer wall of the balcony collapsed when almost 17 tourists including children were taking photographs over it. The affected families were reportedly belonging to Punjab’s Kasur.

Local media reported that the hotel is located along the River Chitral and tourists staying here usually enjoy the view of the river. The incident occurred on the third floor of the hotel building located on the side of the town area.

In this regard, KP Chief Minister Mahmood Khan expressed sorrow over the loss of lives. He directed the district administration to provide best medical facilities to the wounded persons.

After the government lifted coronavirus restrictions earlier this month, the tourism sector is seen coming out of the lurch after a hiatus of five months. Tourist destinations all over the country are slowly reopening under the safety measures outlined by the government.